Leah McConnell, Stake Relief Society Secretary
We received direction from the General Relief Society for our recent stake auxiliary training, we were asked to discuss the main purposes of Relief Society and additional meetings. The Relief Society was organized March 17, 1842, for the relief of the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, and for the exercise of all benevolent purposes. Relief Society was not only to relieve the poor but to save souls! A larger part of the work today is to look after the spiritual welfare and salvation of all the sisters in the church.
As told in Handbook 2 9.1.1, the purpose of Relief Society helps us prepare women for the blessings of eternal life as they increase faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His atonement; strengthen individuals, families, and homes through ordinances and covenants; and work in unity to help those in need.
In times of trial and uncertainty, Relief Society sisters worldwide have followed Mormon’s admonition to “cleave unto charity which is the greatest of all.” They have demonstrated their sure understanding that while all things must fail, charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever. Time and time again, they have been true to their motto “Charity never faileth.” 
Elder Henry B. Eyring says this about charity “The legacy of charity began with the sisters in Nauvoo, who engaged in organized charitable works and received temple covenants. It continued in Winter Quarters and along the arduous trail to the Salt Lake Valley. It sustained Latter-day Saint women as they settled frontier communities, endured political persecution and world wars, and maintained hope during economic depression. It has inspired loving-kindness at home and outreach efforts worldwide. It has motivated Relief Society sisters as they have served in hospitals and as they have helped with adoptions, wheat storage, humanitarian aid, and welfare. The pure love of Christ continues to motivate Relief Society sisters today as they gather to teach and serve one another and as they strengthen and watch over each other one by one.”
It is my hope that we can find simple ways in our day to help the sisters in our stake as we have difficult challenges and tests that are set before us.
Akron Ohio Stake News 